Category: listen up!

listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 20: Peter Bjorn and John – Writer’s Block

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“Technically” Writer’s Blockwas released in 2006, but since it was re-released here in the states in early 2007, it can “technically” make my year end list. Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I get to talk about why a potentially amazing album did not make it to a higher spot on my year end list.

First of all, let me just ask this hypothetical; is Sweden like the den of amazingness for pop music or what? Seriously, so much amazing stuff is coming out of there, that when I hear “they are from Sweden”, I am not surprised that I love it so. After all, not only is one of my all time favorite bands, The Cardigans, from that very den of amazingness, but the amazingly wonderful Robyn also hails from that foreign land of magic and wonder. I bring this up, because, as you may have guessed, Peter Bjorn and John are from Sweden! Perhaps that answers my question for me, because based on what they did on Writer’s Block can only be described as pop-rock-amazingness.

From the first of those retro-styled beats, vigorous strumming guitars, and through the whistle-back tracked, this album really sucks you in, and in a way that many other records just cannot (I challenge you to listen to “Young Folks” and not have it stuck in your head for HOURS). PB and J (ha!) have a great skill in mastering beats and harmonies that make you bop your head with the rhythm, all while haunting you with scratchy and vintage lyrical stylings. On several songs, a simple strike of a singular chord on a guitar sets the stage for a retro-dance journey that is impossible to sit still through. What’s so amazing about this album, is how the simple elements are used, and layered, in order to make something wholly complex and fantastic; the result is truly an invigoration of your auditory senses.

However, after as much good as I could say, and as much as I could go on and on about how much I love (LOVE!) this indie-pop record, I do have a major complaint; which is THE reason it gets the rating it does. The only problem I have with this record, is that they clearly lack the ability to edit themselves. Let me explain. There are many times that I will hear a song, and I will profess my love for it, only to realize that it ends with the singer repeating the same word (or words) over, and over, and over, and over, and over again; which I find quite annoying. The love for an otherwise brilliant song is ruined by a lack of editing on the part of the singer; s/he did not need to say it that many times, and if they hadn’t, the song would have been much better for it. Such is the case with Peter Bjorn and John; but their editing mistake does not come in the manner of repetitive lyrical hyperbole. The only (ONLY) problem I have with this record, is that on at least a couple of songs (Up Against the Wall is probably the biggest offender), they don’t edit the song appropriately, and the result leaves with you with up to a minute or more of “when the fuck is this song going to end!!??!??!” running through your brain. Sure, the song is great, but if you would have cut it off like, I don’t know, a minute and a half ago when it was actually over, it would have been brilliant. I’m just saying. As such, that is why it pains me to dock them a full star in the rating department, because I cannot stress how deep my love is for PB and J; but it really makes that big of a difference to me, in fact, it sullies all of the goodness, unfortunately. Oh well… at least I can hit next before the thoughts in my head cause me to veer off into oncoming traffic to end the insanity, right?

Overall, a brilliant album that could have massively benefited from a few more MINOR bits of polishing and necessary editing. Other than that, no complaints; this is what is RIGHT about music. Now my eyes (and ears) are firmly focused on what will come out of Sweden next!!!

Favorites from Writer’s Block:
Amsterdam
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/pbj-amsterdam.mp3]
Paris 2004
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/pbj-paris.mp3]
Objects of My Affection, Young Folks, and Let’s Call It Off. (clicky for youtube goodness…)

Rating:

listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 21: Westlife – Back Home

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Here we are at 21, with Westlife, and it should be clear by now; there is no stopping the pop on this year end list! Seriously, though, did you really expect anything else? You will find a few rock/indie albums stashed here and there, but I am a boy who loves pop, and is more than willing to embrace it and share that information with the world.

Now, let me tell you why Westlife’s newest album, Back Home:made my year end list. First of all, if there is one thing that makes me weak in the knees, is a male vocalist to swoon over, as he sings me seemingly heartfelt love songs; and with Westlife, you get four of those in one package. Secondly, I have been a fan of Westlife for as long as I have known they existed, and if there is one thing that they have, is that they can consistently bring those pop-laced love songs that I adore so much. Finally, and most importantly, this record really is a testament of them going “back home”; allow me to explain.

I will openly admit, that while I did enjoy Westlife’s previous album, The Love Album, I was more than disappointed to see it was yet another album of covers, as I would prefer that they only sprinkle a couple of covers here and there, and focus on those boyband ballads that I fell in love with them for in the beginning. Thankfully, this record only has 3 covers, and they are all pretty good, and overall, they don’t distract from the overall greatness of this record. I personally think that it is one of the best records that Westlife has released since 2003’s World of Our Own, and that is because they returned to that sound that made them so famous in the first place. There are lots of great single-worthy songs on this album, and enough sugary-sweet boyband goodness to satiate my appetite of pure unadulterated pop.

Yes, I can be a teenage girl sometimes when it comes to swooning over these boybands, but Westlife is THE boyband that gets the most attention from me. If anything, Backstreet Boys should really pay attention to these guys; they have been, and continue to be massively successful doing what they do best. If you don’t like pop, this record will most likely give you a toothache, because of the pure sugar coating on the record, but if you are already a fan of Westlife and/or like boyband-type music, then this is a great album, and you will probably enjoy it as much as I do.

Favorite songs from Back Home:
Something Right
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/w-smthgrght.mp3]
Us Against The World
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/w-usagainst.mp3]
Catch My Breath
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/w-catchbreath.mp3]
Pictures in My Head, and Home.

Rating:

britney n' k-fed, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 22: Britney Spears – Blackout

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Now, I am sure that this comes as no surprise to many of you, who know that I have been a Britney fan since day one. However, as much as I love Britney, you must know that she is not the main reason that her album made my year end list. I will say it honestly; it has a lot to do with the producers, baby (I’m thanking you, specifically, Danja, Pharrell, Bloodshy, and Avant!). If there is one thing that did go right with Britney when she was making this record, was the ability to pick some amazing and up and coming producers to bring the noise, and bring it hard. The result, is an album that is comprised of single after single; and if she were in a place in her life where she could take advantage of it, this truly would have been her comeback. Sadly, though, I don’t think Britney is willing to use this massive gift that she has been given; a true second chance.

All of the train wrecks in her life aside, and if you look solely at the “brand” that is Britney Spears, there is no denying that this record is pure gold. As I said, it is all about the producers; the production values are so high, that somebody had to have gotten paid the big bucks to bring the goods. If you compare this album with every other album in her career, you can see that this is clearly a step above what she has done before. With the exception of her 2001 self-titled third release (my favorite record of hers), this is the best album of Britney’s career. Not only is it the best of her career, but I feel like it may have come too late; if this would have been her previous album, I don’t think the situation she finds herself in today would even exist. People would still love her, and appreciate her for the body and the looks, and the ability to perform like a true entertainer. Yet, a fall from grace is taking front seat, and overshadowing what is considered by many standards, a fantastic record.

I for one hope that Britney can see what she has here, and realize how great this album is. Perhaps she can pull it together long enough to really pimp some of the better songs on the album, and not “blow her load” with the only somewhat successful Gimme More; which really can’t touch some of the other great songs on this record. I also hope that the record company can shake some sense into her, and make her realize that they can resurrect this brand that took so long to build; and all they need is her help to do it.

Britney, you have the goods, and you have the record to back you up, the rest is up to you. You quietly released arguably the best record of your career, and you still let your personal life overshadow your potential to reclaim your throne as the pop princess. Don’t throw it away; those of us that bought the record see the greatness in it, and appreciate you bringing us what we like about you so much; polished production, and pleasurable pop. I just hope that you realize it, before Blackout slips off the charts, and this golden opportunity is gone.

Favorite songs from Blackout:
Heaven on Earth
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_heaven.mp3]
Piece of Me
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bs-pieceofme.mp3]
Break the Ice (which I think should have been her first single)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bs-breaktheice.mp3]
Why Should I Be Sad, Radar, Get Naked (I Got a Plan), and Gimme More.

Rating:
(custom cover for Blackout from uhlikethat.com, because it is infinitely better than the real one.)

listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 23: Ricki-Lee Coulter – Brand New Day

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It is no secret that the “land down under” is full of some great surprises; for proof, just look at yesterday’s featured CD by the fabulous Kylie Minogue. Well, this next “diva” from down under found her start a little differently than Kylie; Ricki-Lee was one of the quite amazing contestants on Australian Idol. While people will continue to blast those shows for their fairly pegged vapid fluff, there is one thing that can’t be denied; these shows really do find people that can sing. Sure, there will always be the duds, but occasionally, there is a shining star in there, and occasionally, they are given the chance to shine… which is the case with Ricki-Lee.

On her second release Brand New Day,Ricki-Lee bursts from the marketing tool of the Young Divas, a group of fellow Idol outcasts brought together to showcase singing ability in covering old classics. However, after listening to Brand New Day, you can see why Ricki-Lee cut that cord, and moved back out on her own; she has a voice that deserves to do more than cover old songs from the 70s and 80s. Also, as my buddy Stu put it, Ricki-Lee left Young Divas because she knew she could do it on her own, and do it better; and you know what, she does.

With a voice that reminds me of talented singers like Mariah Carey, and fellow year-end list talent, Katharine McPhee, Ricki-Lee belts out song after song on a truly pop-tastic record. Some of the songs are twinged with the feeling of gospel turned up for a wider appeal, and when you hear Ricki-Lee belt out these songs, you will definitely feel like she is “taking you to church”. It is almost too much to believe that such a big voice could come out of such a small girl. Not only that, but with all of the beauty of girls like Lindsay Lohan, and of course Katharine McPhee, and the pop production of songs like “Can’t Touch It”, it is a surprise that Ricki-Lee isn’t burning up the charts in countries outside of her own. I read that she is expecting a UK release of her album soon, and I suspect that she will be a hit there as well. Ricki-Lee’s record is another great example of a fantastic singer coming together with people who know what to do with her voice; and do it well.

This is one of those albums that will give you enough to dance to, enough to lift your spirits, and enough to leave you feeling good. Overall, it is a great album through and through, and there really is only one song that I would ever skip; the whole CD is a great listen. If you are in for some great pop (and who isn’t at this point), turn your attention to the former Young Diva from down under; things are hot down there in Australia, and a lot of that heat is coming right from Ricki-Lee!

Favorite songs from Brand New Day:
Can’t Sing a Different Song
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/rl-cantsingsong.mp3]
Alone No More
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/rl-alonenomore.mp3]

Can’t Touch It, Take Me To a Place, and I Appreciate You. (click the link to go and see the fun video for Can’t Touch It)

Rating:

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the 31 best of 2007 – 24: Kylie Minogue – X

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I will start by saying that I have never considered myself a “Kylie fan”. Sure, I enjoyed some of the songs from Fever (the album with the massive hit Can’t Get You Out of My Head); but other than that, I just haven’t really paid much attention to the “cult of Kylie”. Many friends have deemed me a “bad gay”, and said that I should have a corner of my gay card torn off for not owning all of Kyle’s albums, but I have never seen the allure… that is, until now.

Perhaps the 10th time is a charm for Kylie to attract me to her game, but there is something about Xthat really demands attention. There has been a lot of buzz around the internets praising this record, and I have to say, that I agree; it is really good. There are many different songs on here that really get you moving (like my favorite In Your Arms), and others that sound as if Janet Jackson was planning on recording them herself.

Kylie’s voice is so sweet and pristine, and she really shows us that the cancer has not dampened her spirits; now that she has recovered, she wants to have fun again. On X, she does just that, has fun, and cements herself as worthy of being referred to as a one named “diva”. Kylie really does have a huge following, and now I can say, that after falling hard and fast for X, I count myself among those that love Kylie. Even if I never go any further than this album, it is a great place to settle in, and fully enjoy my Kylie fix.

One thing that I really liked about this album, is that she isn’t afraid to do things that might disappoint her fans, but also might challenge them to love her more. Take for instance, the brilliant 2 Hearts; which I have read more than one account of a fan disliking. It is one of my favorites on the record, and I absolutely love that she worked with Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters on it (one of my favorite bands). All I can say, is that if this is what Kylie is all about, then I feel like I should have given her more attention before; but at least I am listening intently now. Last, but certainly not least, let’s not forget the dancing… there is a lot to to dance to on this record, so let’s get to the dance floor already; I’m in love WOOOOO!

My favorite songs from X:
In My Arms (BRILLIANT!)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1130_inmyarms.mp3]
Like a Drug
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/km-likedrug.mp3]
2 Hearts
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/km-2hearts.mp3]
Sensitized and Wow. (as promised; more music!)

Rating:

listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 25: Siobhan Donaghy – Ghosts

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As one of two ex-Sugababes that released an album this year, Siobhan is definitely my favorite. Her voice is ethereal and powerful. I downloaded this album long before it was released on the suggestion from one of those fabulous pop sites, and I must admit, that I was instantly taken aback by how interesting many of the songs sounded.

Mostly, I was blown away at the production of many of the songs; they demand attention, in a very “night at the opera” way. Now, they are far from opera, but I can see Siobhan in a full regal outfit, performing a well thought out play, all while singing many of the songs from Ghosts.From the first amazing single, Don’t Give It Up, the record takes you on a futuristic journey through what I expect pop will morph into some day. Overarching synthesizers, violins, and backing vocals transform Siobhan’s music into a journey for the auditory senses; and I for one love the ride each and every time I put this disc on.

If you are a fan of Goldfrapp (thanks Stu!), without the intensity of Goldfrapp that usually turns me off, then Siobhan is your girl. The entire album gives me warm fuzzies all over, and each track begs to be played on repeat.

This is a very, very good (second) solo album from Siobhan, and if this is any indicator of what she is capable of, I can’t wait for more! Perhaps she is like Imogen Heap… hits her stride with the second go round!? All I know, I love Ghosts!

My favorites from Ghosts:
Don’t Give It Up (one of the best songs of all time!!), So You Say, Medevac, There’s a Place, and Sometimes. (click the links for youtube goodness!)

Rating:

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

shhh… it’s a “secret” “bonus” 5SF!!

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Well, I know that I said that I wasn’t going to be able to do any 5 song Fridays this month, because of the ginormous countdown, but after it was suggested that I include some music from the CDs that I have been pimping, I figured that this would be a GREAT opportunity to recap, and do just that; bring the music!

So, I picked 5 tracks from 5 CDs that have already made the countdown, and without too much flash, or pomp and circumstance, here they are: (and don’t fret, today’s CD will be up later!)

Instead of getting on about each track, I will just refer you back to the reviews that I did for each CD. Each of these songs are what I would consider to be pretty much my favorite tracks from each corresponding CD. Maybe these songs will draw you into checking out these great albums too!

Matt Nathanson – Bulletproof Weeks (countdown post)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_126_bulletproof.mp3]
Girls Aloud – Girl Overboad (countdown post)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_126_girloverboard.mp3]
Tracey Thorn – Nowhere Near (countdown post)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_126_nowherenear.mp3]
The Shins – Red Rabbits (countdown post)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_126_redrabbits.mp3]
Hilary Duff – Outside of You (see! I told you it was brilliant!) (countdown post)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_126_outsideofyou.mp3]

Enjoy! Now… back to our regularly scheduled end of year countdown!

listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 26: Hilary Duff – Dignity

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I will be the first to admit that I initially wrote Hilary Duff off, especially after one of her biggest hits to date happened to be a kind of annoying song called “So Yesterday”. However, when I heard the lead off single for her new album Dignity,called With Love, I was instantly intrigued; could there be more to this girl than I once thought? Well, after hearing the song over and over, I really started to like it, and I pledged myself to give Hilary another chance. What I came to realize when I got Dignity, was that there really was more to Duff than I had previously thought.

Now, let me get this out of the way, before those that are scratching your head wondering why Hilary Duff’s album is on my best of list wonder just what brought me to this inclusion; despite what you want to think, this album has more than a few hits. Is the album perfect? No. In fact, there are other albums that have hit the list earlier in this countdown that are much better than this album; but there are songs on this record that really garner more attention, and therefore, cause me to play them more. In fact, one of the songs in particular, Outside of You, is one of the best pop songs I have heard in years, and it is for star performances like that, the Dignity finds itself among my top records of this year.

While listening to Dignity, you really do realize that Hilary Duff isn’t totally like those other “Hollywood Starlets”; she doesn’t seem interested in the parties and paparazzi like other stars her age, and she is here to sing about why. Many of the songs exude a big F-U to that whole “attention-whore” attitude that many young stars seem to seek, and with more than a few tart-laced lyrics, Hilary clearly wants to separate herself from that lifestyle. She seems more intent on finding love, living her life, and just having a good time; all without the flash bulbs, problems, and pitfalls that afflict other girls her age that experience the same fame that she has found. While I can see how someone might think that she is being a bit hypocritical at times, I definitely see where she is coming from; Hilary hasn’t been to rehab, and isn’t flashing her cooch on the cover of a magazine, and that is because she has made a conscious effort to avoid it (unlike many of her Hollywood peers). Making it a main theme of her record is her way of saying how she feels about the whole thing, and I say good for her.

The other themes of the record clearly highlight some of what she went through when she broke up with Joel from Good Charlotte. When you hear what “really happened”, it reminds you that you never know what people go through; and especially famous people, because the all the media does is spin things for the purpose of a story. Again, this highlights the “problem” with being famous; you have to pay a price to get that fame, and Hilary is here to sing about her experiences. What’s great for the listener, is that she does it with a great affinity for pop; some of these songs are really great, despite a troubling story, or frustrated rant being the topic of discussion. There are a few duds on this record, but those are mostly overshadowed by the great production of the massive pop anthems that pop up throughout the record.

Having only seen her videos for Stranger and With Love, I am wondering why this record hasn’t propelled her higher as a pop singer, because there is more than enough material to rocket her into the pop spotlight. I for one, am glad that I gave Hilary another shot when I did, because Dignity is a great record, both for the way she tells her side of the story, and vents her frustrations with fame, as well as the superb production value on some pretty amazing pop songs. Seriously, some of these songs just demand your attention, and I am still surprised we haven’t heard more from this “new” Hilary on the charts and the airwaves; there is some really great material here, and it deserves to be heard.

My favorites from Dignity:
Outside of You (BEST song on the record, not to mention, one of the best pop songs in a long time), With Love, Stranger, Dreamer, and Between You and Me. (again, songs with links will take you to youtube-video-goodness!)

Rating:

all about me, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, venting

a note about my year end list (which is causing me a little stress)

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I want to start by saying that I have actually had a hard time trying to “list” out my top records for this year in “order”, because there are different things I like about each record, and to be completely honest and evenly fair, they really don’t compare. In fact, the further into this list I get, the more I realize that I am not ranking these records at all; if something gets 4 stars, it is getting 4 stars, and essentially, it is just as good as every other record that got 4 stars, and as such, it has made my year end list with a 4 star rating.

This is something that has become more apparent as I review these records, and listen to them again; where many of them leave me wondering why I don’t listen to them more, mainly because of how great they actually are. However, for whatever reason, some records are more “popular” with me, and as such, I have listened to them more, which, for whatever reason, had me hold out on listing them in a half-assed attempt to “rank” them. But no more.

I really don’t think that can compare the Shins and Hilary Duff; and I am not trying to. Both of those records I really enjoy, and they have both made my year end list, and both have 4 star ratings; each for reasons that are unique to those records. Man, rating and ranking things really does stress a girl out. So, from here on, just look at this less like a “rank” or “order”, and more of a list of the greatest from 2007… of course, star ratings definitely rank things, so focus more on that, rather than the order in which the record shows up on my list; and keep in mind that you can’t compare apples and oranges… so I’m not trying to. A four star is a four star, and a five star is a five star. In some cases (which will become more so with the “top” records, as I get closer to the end of this countdown), there really will be a “more enjoyable” factor that really will influence when and where a CD falls on this list; but for the most part, the star rankings are more indicative than anything else.

Whew! This has just been an unnecessary cause of stress; I know I feel better… how about you? I never thought that this would stress me out, but I suppose if anyone could, I know that I could find stress in something that is supposed to bring me joy. Oh the joy in that. Now… back to the list!

listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 27: The Shins – Wincing the Night Away

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For whatever (stupid) reason, the Shins’ latest album initially wasn’t even in the running for my favorite records of the year; but then I listened to it again, and was like, “WTF? It totally should be!”. This is one of those albums that really sneaks up on you, because when you first listen to it, you DO realize how good it is, but you don’t really grasp how good it is until much, much later. That’s exactly what happened to me… it just took time; and thankfully, that time has come.

I have to say that I was very surprised that I liked this album as much as I did, and that it hooked me in the way that it did; both initially, and then again recently. I will openly admit that I was completely blind to that whole cult of the Shins before I heard some great songs in Garden State. After liking what I heard, I thought I would check out their stuff, but it wasn’t until I was standing in a record store, and saw their new release Wincing the Night Away,that I actually followed through with my curiosity. See, I am one of those people that goes through moods; sometimes I am just not in a place to be accepting of certain types of music, and the Shins are so different from what I was listening to at the time, that I wasn’t in a place to truly understand and embrace them. Not only are the vocals very inviting and comforting, but the layers of guitars, and beats really draw you into the rich landscape of the lyrical craft that the Shins musically portray. There aren’t many artists that I would even compare to them, because for me, they really have their own thing going; and that is not something you can say about very many artists these days. Sure they remind me of groups like Death Cab For Cutie and the Decemberists, but they do what even those groups do so well themselves; they carve out their own little corner in the music landscape, and make something truly interesting and good, and dare I say it, sort of unique to them.

On Wincing, some of the songs may be pretty dark themes, but they are all beautiful. It is hard not to sing along with the “la la la”s of the upbeat songs, because they really do hook you in. I am also glad that this is my first Shins album, because not only is it a great album, for me, it doesn’t come with the “cult of the Shins” pressure that the previous releases hold.

This album also has a lot of something that I love; there are a wealth of specific lines from songs that really grab you, and hold you to the floor, cementing themselves in your mind for days after you heard them. I love it when that happens, and the Shins really master that; from “we’ve pissed on far too many sprites, and they’re all standing up for their rights” to “because you had to know I was fond of you, fond of y-o-u”, they really have some great lines that really grab you and won’t let go. I am happy to say that this is one of those records that are like a fine wine; they get better with age, and get better with each listen. Now, it’s time to put the earphones on and listen to Wincing the Night Away!

My favorite songs from Wincing the Night Away:
Australia, Sleeping Lessons, Turn On Me, Red Rabbits, and A Comet Appears. (I thought I would follow my promise to bring some music to these, so click on the song with a link for the youtube video!!)

Rating: